A Tribute To Mark Reeds

The Ottawa Senators said their sorry goodbyes to their beloved assistant coach Mark Reeds on Tuesday April 14 as he lost his battle to cancer at the age of 55. Reeds was in his fourth season as assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators. Commissioner Gary Bettman, Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, Senators GM Bryan Murray, and many other players and Senators personnel all had much to say about the tragic death of Reeds.

“As a player, a coach and a mentor for so many players, from teenagers in junior hockey to the best players in the world at the National Hockey League level, Mark Reeds was the embodiment of commitment to our game.” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Mark was devoted to professional hockey for more than 35 years.

Reeds’ disease kept him from the Sens game against the Philadelphia Flyers when they clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coach Dave Cameron was sure to mention Reeds’ vitality in their success this year directly after the game. It was known from then that Mark did not have long to live, and that he would be very greatly missed in the world of hockey especially in the Senators family.

After talking about Reeds and his very early death, Senators general manager Bryan Murray, who is also struggling in a battle with cancer added: “I guess we all realize every day is very precious to each one of us so we should value it accordingly.”

On top of being a coach, Reeds played in 365 NHL regular season games, and 53 playoff games. The St. Louis Blues sent their thoughts and prayers to Mark’s family, colleagues, and teammates. They too will miss Reeds greatly, because he played mainly for their team in his NHL career. Sadly, Mark Reed’s was unable to watch the Senators’ first playoff game on Wednesday April 15, and was unable to watch them play playoff hockey this season. Mark Reeds, dedicated and inspirational player, and coach, will be greatly missed in the hockey world.